Local TD Gabrielle McFadden has said that protecting our local heritage sites is good for jobs in the Midlands
Deputy McFadden was speaking after end of year results for the Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme showed that the scheme generated 175 jobs last year, with a total of €15 million invested in 540 projects across the country.
“Protecting our local heritage sites is good for jobs in the Midlands. Early last year, €108,000 was granted for 13 heritage projects in Westmeath along with a further €90,000 for 13 projects in Longford.
“Included in the projects for Westmeath were €15,000 for Moate Courthouse, €15,000 for St Sinan’s Church in Tyrrellspass, €10,000 for Kilbeggan Distillery, and €10,000 for St Nicholas’ Church Rathconrath,” she said.
According to the Fine Gael TD the money is being used for conservation reports and structural repairs such as roof and window repairs, as well as masonry and joinery works.
“Preserving our local heritage is so important for future generations. It is great to know that in doing so, we can also create employment for local people. The construction industry and its skilled tradespeople were among the hardest hit during the economic recession. Now as unemployment reduces to 10.6 per cent, its lowest point in nearly three years, it is good to see this sector getting work again through this heritage scheme.”
